Hoyer Statement Urging Action Against Anti-Semitism by U.N. Members

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) made the following statement on the House floor in favor of an amendment urging action against Anti-Semitism by U.N. Members:

“Mr. Speaker, intolerance based on one’s religious beliefs, ethnicity and race is a poison that has coursed throughout the body of human history, and it has caused untold suffering, pain and strife.

“The members of this House – the elected representatives of the strongest and freest nation on earth – have a moral responsibility to expose and combat such intolerance and prejudice wherever it rears its head. And, that is precisely what this important resolution seeks to do.

“This resolution calls on the United Nations to officially and publicly condemn anti-Semitic statements made at U.N. Meetings and by U.N. member states. It also calls on the U.N. to create worldwide programs about the Holocaust in an effort to reduce anti-Semitism, and it directs the Secretary of State to report on anti-Semitic activities by the U.N. and its member countries.”

“Let me add that, last year, I strongly supported language included in the omnibus appropriations act that directs the State Department to report on votes in the General Assembly concerning Israel. The disturbing, undeniable truth, Mr. Speaker, is that rank anti-Semitism continues today in the world body ostensibly dedicated to peace and understanding.”

“Israel is the only member of the U.N. to never have served on the Security Council.
It is denied the opportunity to serve on the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, while well-known human rights abusers Syria, Sudan and Libya have served on that body.
And, each year, Israel is singled out for criticism nearly two dozen times in the General Assembly.”

“Mr. Speaker, too many U.N. members believe that they can make anti-Semitic statements and take anti-Semitic actions with impunity. They are wrong! And, they must be held accountable.

“They must know that their anti-Semitic statements and actions not only affect their relationship with this nation, but also eviscerate their credibility in the family of civilized nations. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.”